...imagination our group will be examining the relationship between the two and how it is connected to religion. In addition to the how, we will also be looking closely at why evil and imagination are affected based on religion and beliefs. To start we first need to understand what imagination is and why the connection between religion and human imagination is so significant. Merriam Webster defines imagination as; "The act of power of forming a mental image or something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality; a creation of the mind." The key is that what is imagined is generated from within, rather than perceived on input from without. Imagination is one of human’s most unique abilities, its what make us who we are and leads to the creations of tomorrow. Whether those be new world technologies, or famous works of art, nothing is made without first having the forethought and creativity behind it. This is one of many reasons why imagination is so vital to human culture. Since the beginning of history evil and our imagination go hand and hand, they always have and likely always will. We simply cannot have one without the other and as long as there are humans alive and thinking there will be evil around the corner. Understanding what imagination is now we can take a deeper look on the context and history of evil. As with many branches of evil, the topic of imagination and evil stem indirectly from religion. Just as each religion has its own unique identity...
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...Delusions Between Religion and Religious Beliefs Glenn Watkins Park University 3 December 2010 Abstract This paper discusses the results a study conducted by Mental, Health, Religion and Culture regarding a qualitative study examining the relationship between religious beliefs and delusions. The paper discusses the definition of delusions as well as religion and makes a stark comparison between the two. The paper includes many different religions and how each claims having a monopoly to salvation. The study included white males from seemingly the same background who were diagnosed as having symptoms of delusions ranging from ages 34 – 57. The paper also discusses several theories as discussed in class regarding thoughts from Erikson, Sullivan and Fromm. Finally, the paper concludes with a brief historical summary of why the author has contention with religion and religious beliefs. Key words: Delusional, fanaticisms, capricious, analogous, and tantamount. When one person suffers from delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from delusion it is called religion. - Robert M. Pirsig There is a close kinship to the relationship between religious beliefs and religious delusion. Merriam-Webster defines delusion as a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also: the abnormal state marked by such beliefs. Religion is defined as the...
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...In the book, The Meaning and End of Religion, W.C. Smith analyzes the problems and redefines the concept of religion. As a term which has been conflicted to say the least, W.C. Smith offers a variety of arguments of this conflict along with solutions to remedy this situation. By elaborating on one of his arguments as well as analyzing his approach to religion from my own, will “religion” be considered problematic both as a term and as a conceptual category. Smith presents five “categories” that need to be explored for a more modern approach. “Some modern investigators have thought to strip the phenomena of any transcendent reference, to explain by explaining away. Yet their explanations, however persuasive each one might sound at first, have...
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...be 1000-1500’s, the world consisted of agriculture and trading networks. The Indian Ocean especially became an important crossroads for global exchange with the majority of the wealth concentrated in Asia, particularly China and India. By examining the first global trade routes, the interactions between different groups of people, and the importance of China’s role in the global economy we will be able to see the first origins of the modern globalized world we know today. During the 1000- 1500’s Asia became the center of an extensive and systematic linkage of global trade. Interactions between multi-cultured people and diverse nations came together at many trading hubs throughout the Indian Ocean. Here India traded cotton colored textiles in exchange for food, gold, silver and other commodities. China manufactured luxurious goods, in particular silk, which became similar to a standard currency in trade and in return sought out preciosities, silver, raw materials and horses. Slaves were also a large market but were not depicted through race they were used as domestic servants to the wealthy and as labor in Africa and surrounding nations. Slaves were seen as permanent children to their owners and never provided with degrading work (Marks, 57). During 650- 1000 Arabian people carried goods, ideas and spread their language and religion throughout Asia, East Africa and Indonesia (Marks, 45). By 1000-1500’s Islam had spread significantly around the world creating a common language...
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...Essay Analysis Karen Jones Eng 215 February 7, 2016 Classic Principles or Argument Essay Analysis Michael Crichton’s Environmentalism as a Religion Run Amcok will define ethos, logos and pathos, the classic principle of an argument. Michael Crichton’s work made him a believer that his thoughts were that environmentalism is a religion to lots of people. His logic was used to see the problem environmentalism being used as a religion, therefore a lot of outside sources Crichton believed that a person should find scientific proof that as to what environmentalism actually made the most sense. Crichton used logo to simply state the examining process of his claim. The first claim he made was “Today, one of the most powerful religions in the Western World is environmentalism (Crichton 2004/2007, para. 4). He then proceeds to tell the reader that the relationship he sees between the religion and the facts by writing “One of the defining features of religion is that beliefs are not troubled by facts, because they have nothing to do with them” (Crichton 2004/2007. para 18). A lot of readers agree with him that this is merely nothing but a logical statement. This statement will then make the reader question what the religion has to do with environmentalism? After the reader asks himself the question, Crichton made it a point to say that religion really doesn’t have a thing to do with environmentalism. This in turn makes the reader wonder if what he is saying is really true and not. ...
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...the moral teachings that form the heart of Confucianism have continued to shape the attitudes and behaviors of millions of people worldwide.(Coogan, 1998) The contemporary issues can be understood by examining the common characteristics of Confucianism and other eastern religions, analyzing the interactions between the modern world and Confucianism, and studying how those interactions influence Confucianism and the modern world. Common Characteristics Among Eastern Religions Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are three religions that make up the essence of traditional, Chinese culture. While all three religions have differences, the religions also share fundamental elements such as purpose, principle, and teachings that have created a strong and long lasting way of life for the Chinese culture. When comparing religions a person can deduce that all religions have a purpose and follow a specific set of rules, guidelines, and traditions. The vessel that leads each individual to their ultimate purpose can be different, as well as where the instructions originate from. The similar purpose of these Eastern religions is for the attainment of inner harmony with self and nature.(Coogan, 1998) This purpose can be achieved by living by a set of principles. The principles of these religions vary slightly but essentially, all lead to the same path. These principles teach believers to learn...
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...say what morality really is. Morality is a matter of opinion. In his book Education in the Moral Domain, Larry Nucci, a psychologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago is somewhat helpful in distinguishing this. Nucci believes there are three areas that encompass social behaviour: First, the personal domain, where individuals have preferences for things that have no factual measurements (for ex: gum over lollipops). Secondly, the domain of social conventions, where rules could be different and it wouldn't make any difference and thirdly the moral domain, where behaviours and intrinsically right or wrong. In cultures around the world people are accustomed to the idea that people are in authority of them and rules enforced by that authority. In my essay, an argument will be made that morality and law are not independent of each other by examining the teaching of morality to children, who is to blame for children behaviours and the religious morality of the ‘Ten Commandments’. Before it can be determined if one has morals, one has to know exactly what morals are. Lord Devlin, in an essay "Morals and the Criminal Law" in The Philosophy of Law (ed R.M Dworkin), Oxford (1977) at p 74"Society means a community of ideas; without shared ideas on politics, morals and ethics, no society can exist. Each one of us has ideas about what is good and what is evil; they cannot be kept private from the society in which we live. If men and women try to create a society in which there is no...
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...Secularisation is where religion loses significance. It has been argued that this has happened recently largely in Europe, where many of the white population in particular, move away from religious beliefs and more towards arguments such as science. However, many argue this isn’t happening, or that it isn’t exclusive to Europe. In addition, it is a highly contested concept, where there are deep methodological and theoretical debates over what it is, how to measure it or if it is occurring. It is often contested there was a golden age of faith, and those who suggest secularization is occurring need to prove society was more religious. The idea of this golden age is based on the belief that everyone previously went to church, but there lies problems in examining the past. Historical data records are sparse and there were no opinion polls or interviewers to carry our surveys to explore this, and therefore this argument lacks validity, reliability and representativeness. The idea of Golden age is far-fetched, however, as it was found by the first Census of religion in 1851 on England and wales that 40% of the population attended church. This suggests that there is no secularization, as European countries such as England weren’t largely religious then and there are not so now, so secularization hasn’t taken place. Secondly, Christianity still remains strong in the UK. Pentecostal denominations are growing, and evangelical Christianity is the fastest growing form of religion. Evangelical...
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...know for certain what exactly their attitudes, values and beliefs are. However, considering that %80 of Americans are known to be religious or religiously affiliated, I must assume that most if not all are identify with one religion or another. Religion is a very sensitive topic to talk about as emotions can run high and beliefs are deeply rooted in the psychosis of religious folk. Taking this into account I must approach this topic with utmost sensitivity so as not to thwart peace or possibly ignite controversy. Steps in my speech will include portraying religion in its positive light and on the other hand examining the goodness of lawful state. How the two strenghthen each other but why they shouldn't have any affect on one another is my main point. Stressing the point that religion by itself is a blessing and State by itself is the only way to live yet the two crossing paths only leads to disorientation and distortion of both these great humanized foundations. Adapt I have adapted my speech to the possible variety of religious attitudes in my audience. Due to the fact that they are young and most likely have some sort of religious affiliation, I have done my best to not step on any "spiritual" toes. By starting my speech with the argument that religion did, after all, manage to civilize us beastly humans who would otherwise would...
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...the classical principles of argument, in Michael Crichton’s work entitled “Environmentalism as Religion Run Amok.” Crichton’s work provides his position and ideas that environmentalism is a religion to many people. The authority Crichton took was logical. The reader was not bombarded with outside sources as it was Crichton’s position that logic be used in order to see the flaws in environmentalism being treated as a religion. In this case, Crichton’s claim that one should seek scientific proof to scientific mattes such as those which environmentalism explores is what logically makes sense. Crichton uses logos, or appealing to one’s logical sense, to simplify the process of examining his claim. First Crichton makes a claim that will shock many readers, “Today, one of the most powerful religions in the Western World is environmentalism” (Crichton 2004/2007, para.4). He then shares with the reader the relationship he sees between religion and facts by writing, “One of the defining features of religion is that beliefs are not troubled by facts, because they have nothing to do with them” (Crichton 2004/2007, para. 18). Most readers will see this as a logical statement that they agree with. This leaves the reader with the logical question of, what does religion have to do with environmentalism? It is when the reader asks this question that Crichton has made his first point: religion has nothing to do with environmentalism. Reader are then forced to ask themselves whether they...
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...Secularisation is where religion loses significance. It has been argued that this has happened recently largely in Europe, where many of the white population in particular, move away from religious beliefs and more towards arguments such as science. However, many argue this isn’t happening, or that it isn’t exclusive to Europe. In addition, it is a highly contested concept, where there are deep methodological and theoretical debates over what it is, how to measure it or if it is occurring. It is often contested there was a golden age of faith, and those who suggest secularization is occurring need to prove society was more religious. The idea of this golden age is based on the belief that everyone previously went to church, but there lies problems in examining the past. Historical data records are sparse and there were no opinion polls or interviewers to carry our surveys to explore this, and therefore this argument lacks validity, reliability and representativeness. The idea of Golden age is far-fetched, however, as it was found by the first Census of religion in 1851 on England and wales that 40% of the population attended church. This suggests that there is no secularization, as European countries such as England weren’t largely religious then and there are not so now, so secularization hasn’t taken place. Secondly, Christianity still remains strong in the UK. Pentecostal denominations are growing, and evangelical Christianity is the fastest growing form of religion. Evangelical...
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...added and altered with supplementary and latest information, spending as much time as I would require to produce an original Essay for this class. Thank you, Sally Introduction Most cultures of the world have religious beliefs that supernatural powers can be compelled, or at least influenced, to act in certain ways for good or evil purposes by using ritual formulas. These formulas are considered to be called magic. This is very different from television and stage "magic" that depends on slight-of-hand tricks and contrived illusions rather than supernatural power. At times, this magic was called “black magic” and was used together with other forms known as sorcery, witchcraft and fortune telling. Centuries ago, these forms of magic were considered to be less ‘religious’ by some and looked down upon as evil although the theories spread and were practiced by many. Even though magic was initially used as a substitute to religion in order to improve the standard of living, it vastly became an evil ritual used towards the pain and suffering of others which led to its demise. Frazier's understanding of the relationship between magic and religion was structured...
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...Studying Religion REL/134 June 29, 2015 Studying Religion Components of Religion are expansive inside of one viewpoint with a composed gathering of convictions with distinctive implications. Contingent upon an individual’s religious faith, this individual will rise above their convictions within their own power. There is no distinction amongst the natural and supernatural, and amongst beings and non-beings (Molloy, 2013). When an individual decides to practice a religion this can be of many choices, such as Judaism, Christianity, or Muslim. In Judaism religion, Jewish believe in Yahweh, Christians believe in God the creator of the universe, and Muslims believe in Muhammad a prophet from God. For a long time the practice of any religion has transcended above from era to era there are numerous practices, which occur today. The outside appearances of religions for example structures, artifacts, and rituals will illustrate how each religion contains their own attributes that differs from other forms of religion. Although, in some characteristics of worship, especially in the sense of spiritual occurrences all religions do share similar essentials in their faith that progresses beyond any individual’s everyday learnings, and it is impossible to be illustrated through language. According to Molloy “scholars that individuals ordinarily call religions manifest to some point following the eight elements” (Molloy, 2013). These eight elements are a belief system, community...
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...The world religions of planet Earth contain fifteen major religions, but for my report, I focused on the top three religions to represent Earth’s population. Together, Christianity, Muslims, and Hinduism represent nearly sixty eight percent of the planet’s religious beliefs. According to Mary Pat Fisher (2011), the definition of religion is a particular response to dimensions of life considered sacred, as shaped by institutionalized traditions. The criteria used to determine if people on earth are religious involves understanding what they believe in regards to the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, the way that they observe rituals, and the way they live their lives according to the moral code established by their specific religions. The first criteria that I felt needed to be met for the planet to be considered religious was what the population believed in regards to the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe according to their beliefs. Christianity, the planet’s most common form of religion, believes that there is one single, almighty god. This god created the universe and all organisms that inhabit it in seven days. Christians believe that god created the ultimate organism (humans) to live in his divine view of perfect love and justice. The purpose in life of Christianity for these believers is to love and serve God throughout their lives (Christianity Human Nature). I examined the Muslim religion to understand how these believers observed rituals in accordance...
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...Abstract In gaining an understanding of how early civilizations lived, we can see what impact they have had as they migrated to the New World. By examining what they left behind we can also see the impact they have had on many diverse cultures and societies today. Cultural Syncretism and its Impact Introduction Cultural syncretism occurs when two opposite cultures mix and blend their cultural beliefs, whether they be political or religious, to produce or to start a new culture or religion. Historically, syncretism has been seen as an attempt to reconcile disparities between various cultures. Africa and the Americas both had help with other factors like weapons, religion, and technological advancements. When it came to cultural beliefs, China and India’s values were very different. They would operate from outside of the traditional beliefs, which made them much more resistant to syncretism. Compare and contrast the legacies of cultural syncretism in Africa and the Americas with the resistance to cultural change Westerners encountered in China and India. When different aspects of cultural philosophies or religions blend together and disparities are compromised, cultural syncretism occurs. According to the 1830 American census 2.3 million people were of African descent and there was only 12.8 million in the country (Joyner, 2003). Also of that 12.8 million 2.44% were free Africans, 15.56% were enslaved Africans and 82% were free white people (Joyner, 2003). Within...
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